Cologne's Marvin Matip called up to Cameroon squad

YAOUNDE, May 17 - Cologne defender Marvin Matip
has been included in Cameroon's squad to prepare for their June 3
African Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia.

The 22-year-old Matip, who has a Cameroonian father and a
German mother, has played for Germany's Under-19 and Under-21
sides in the past, but has indicated he wants to play for
Cameroon's Indomitable Lions.

Lions interim coach Jules Nyongha included Matip in the
20-strong squad following strong support for the move from
former international Raymond Kalla Nkongho, Matip's former
colleague at his previous club VfL Bochum.

Matip's father Jean also confirmed his son's desire to make
his debut for Cameroon.

"I can only be happy and confirm that he is ready to play
for my country ... He will not have any problem leaving the
German team and playing for Cameroon. He's a professional," Jean
Matip said in a recent media interview.

Nyongha has also decided to recall Marseille midfielder
Modeste Mbami, who turned his back on the national team
following their elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2004
African Nations Cup in Tunisia.

He had complained then of "poor management" of the squad.

Bill Tchato, who plays in Qatar, St Gallen's Guy Feutchine
and Portsmouth's Douala Mbella have also been recalled after
recovering from injury.

The Cameroon squad will travel to a training camp in Belgium
on May 28 to prepare for the June 3 qualifier in Monrovia.

Cameroon currently lead their qualifying group, with nine
points from three games.